An electronic load is a useful device to have - with it you can draw fixed amount of current through a circuit, an ideal method for testing the limits of various devices such as power supplies and other items under question. Making your own is a good way to save money, and engineer Jasper Sikken has documented a version that also can control power and resistance.

Based around a small Arduino compatible, the rest of the circuit is assembled on a custom PCB, however Jasper has provided the design files, BOM and sketch so you can recreate your own version. The user interface is via the Arduino serial monitor - however with a little work you could add your own LCD and control devices.

Need a tiny Arduino-compatible for use with your own projects? Then check out out our LeoStick. It's the Arduino Leonardo-compatible board that's cheaper and smaller than the original:

Apart from being one of the smallest Arduino-compatibles on the market with USB, it also has an onboard RGB LED and piezo which can be used a knock sensor and various tune and sound effects. Plus you can add extra circuitry with the matching protostick! For more information and to order, click here.